Riders Gear Up for Sourland Spectacular Bicycle Rally Sept. 7th

Content Options

Credits: Sourland Conservancy

Credits: Sourland Conservancy

Credits: Sourland Conservancy

Credits: Sourland Conservancy

By LAURIE CLEVELAND

August 30, 2019 at 7:08 PM

MONTGOMERY, NJ - The Sourland Conservancy will host the 8th Annual Sourland Spectacular on Saturday Sept. 7th, from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. with proceeds helping to preserve and protect the ecological and historic resources of the Sourland Mountain.

The “Five Mile Almost Flat Family Fun Ride” has been a big hit with riders who want to have fun and support the cause, but aren’t ready to tackle the more challenging routes. Serious cyclists from all around the tristate area will challenge themselves on one of four Sourland region routes: 25.6miles, 35.6 miles, 50.3 miles or 62.6 miles.

The longest of these, the Metric Century, includes a total of 3,646 feet of climbing.

All rides begin and end at the Otto Kaufman Center at 356 Skillman Road, Skillman. Parking will be available at the Montgomery High School. Riders will choose their own start time between 7-10 a.m., with bagels and coffee served at the registration tent.

Participants who buy advance tickets online will also receive a colorful tubular bandana. Riders will follow cue sheets that are available online now at www.sourlandspectacular.com/routes and at the event’s registration tent. Temporary arrows will be affixed to the roads, marking every turn. Each route is marked using a different colored arrow. Riders should choose a start time that will allow them to finish between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Proceeds from the Sourland Spectacular will support the Sourland Conservancy’s mission to protect, promote and preserve the unique character of the Sourland Mountain region. The 90-square-mile Sourland region is home to the largest contiguous forest in Central New Jersey. It encompasses a complex ecosystem of forest, wetlands and grasslands, and is home to an incredibly rich diversity of animal and plant species, many rare or endangered. The forest is especially important as a breeding area for migratory songbirds, particularly those who nest only in large wooded areas.

Lunch will also be served. Rest stops will offer all-natural peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pretzels and a variety of fresh fruit, among other snacks. Lunch, snacks and SAG (Support And Gear) services are included in the registration fee.

Sourland Cycles’ friendly staff will be on hand at the Otto Kaufman Center to help with rider questions and mechanical issues and pump tires. In addition, Sourland Cycles will be providing SAG (support and gear) services for the event. If a rider cannot complete the route for any reason, he or she can call the number on the cue sheet, and a volunteer will bring tools and supplies for minor repairs. If needed, the SAG volunteer will bring the cyclist and bike back to the Otto Kaufman Center.

The event will also host a bike drive from 7a.m.-2 p.m. Donations of used bicycles in all conditions, parts, and accessories will be given to the Trenton Boys & Girls Club Bike Exchange, a volunteer organization that refurbishes used bikes and sells them at modest prices at its Ewing location. All proceeds from the bike drive will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County. All are welcome to participate in the bike drive.

“The Sourland Spectacular offers riders of all ages a wonderful opportunity to come together and enjoy the beauty of the Sourland forests, farms, and meadows,” Sourland Conservancy Board President, Dante DiPirro said. “The board and staff would like to thank the riders for helping to preserve and protect the Mountain.”

Event registration is open now: Adult $50; Children 8-16 years $25; Children under 8, Free. Volunteers are needed. Visit www. tiny.cc/SCSpectacular2019 to sign up. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the event website at www.sourlandspectacular.com or call the Sourland Conservancy’s office at 609-309-5155.

FLEMINGTON, NJ – Thousands flocked to Stangl Road here yesterday to join in the kick-off of the Central Jersey Jazz Festival, an event that will continue today in New Brunswick from 1 to 6 p.m. and in Somerville on Sunday, also from 1 to 6 p.m.

As with the Flemington show, all performances are free. Those attending should supply their own chairs. Food vendors are available at all three ...

FLEMINGTON, NJ – Thousands flocked to Stangl Road here yesterday to join in the kick-off of the ...

HIGH POINT, NC - The High Point Rockers (31-30, 72-59) overcame an early deficit to top the Somerset Patriots (22-39, 64-67) 5-1 Friday night at BB&T Point

Somerset jumped in front with a two-out rally in the top of the first inning. Olmo Rosario started the rally with a base hit up the middle before Jimmy Paredes lined an RBI double to right-center field, putting the Patriots ahead ...

HIGH POINT, NC - The High Point Rockers (31-30, 72-59) overcame an early deficit to top the ...

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Nat Adderley Jr., best known for his work with Luther Vandross, will headline the closing night of the three-day Central Jersey Jazz Festival Sunday, Sept. 15 from 4:45-6 p.m. on the East Main Street stage adjacent to the green surrounding the historic Somerset County Courthouse.

Opening the 5-hour concert will be tenor saxaphonist Javon Jackson (1:30-2:40 p.m.), followed by ...

SOMERVILLE, NJ – Nat Adderley Jr., best known for his work with Luther Vandross, will headline the ...

PISCATAWAY, NJ – As the people of the Bahamas begin to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Dorian left the islands reeling from the devastation, the local Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen is working to raise funds that will aid in the long recovery process.

Bishop James F. Checchio has authorized a special collection at all parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen the weekend of Sept. 14 and 15, ...

PISCATAWAY, NJ – As the people of the Bahamas begin to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Dorian ...

The Patriots jumped put to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Olmo Rosario started the scoring with an RBI single, followed by an RBI fielder’s choice by Jimmy Paredes. Edwin Espinal then launched a two-run home run (7) to left field to ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have acquried right-handed Taylor Wright in a trade with the Evansville Otters (Frontier League) for future considerations. He is active for tonight’s game against the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Wright enters his first season with the Somerset Patriots and first in the Atlantic League. The 6’5” righty spent his first professional season this year with the ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ- The Somerset Patriots have acquried right-handed Taylor Wright in a trade with the ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Somerset County business and civic leaders will welcome representatives from the Howard County, Maryland Chamber of Commerce for an Inter-City Visit and Leadership Conference from Sunday, Sept. 15th, to Tuesday, Sept. 17th..

The Howard County Chamber will bring 20 to 30 business and civic leaders along with County Executive Calvin Ball and elected and appointed officials. The ...

BRIDGEWATER, NJ – Somerset County business and civic leaders will welcome representatives from the ...

SOMERVILLE , NJ – The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proclaimed September 2019 as National Recovery Month.

The proclamation was presented by Freeholder Director Brian D. Levine at the Sept. 10 freeholders’ meeting and accepted by Rocky Schwartz of Prevention Resources Inc. Also joining in the presentation were county Human Services Director Michael J. Frost; county Alcoholism ...

SOMERVILLE , NJ – The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proclaimed September 2019 as ...